Biazon Resigns

Days after the filing of malversation charges against him last week, Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon on Monday tendered his irrevocable resignation to protect his name and his family.

After he was named respondent in a malversation complaint in connection with the ‘Pork Barrel’ scam, Biazon, in a press briefing, said the reason of his decision is to protect his name and family against the allegation that he allegedly received millions in kickbacks.

“I resign to protect my family, particularly my young children, from the exposure to the hostile environment of a public controversy involving their father. The intense discussion in media may be too much for them to endure. They are to young too understand that in the face of allegations like these, that anyone is deemed innocent until proven guilty in the court of law,” Biazon said.

“No position is worth sacrificing for well-being and peace of mind of my family,” the younger Biazon said. “A good name is more desirable than great riches,” he added.

Biazon, a former Muntinlupa congressman, was the first Aquino ally to be accused in a corruption complaint. Biazon is also the first official to resign among all those who have been linked to the pork barrel scandal.

He added that his father, former senator and now Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon, “served this country for 52 years with untarnished service. “I would like to uphold the honor he earned for our name.” he said.

Biazon also said that his resignation aims to stop parties from exploiting his situation against the administration. “I would rather see the reforms of this administration succeed than retain my opportunity to serve,” he said.

He also said his resignation also serves to relieve himself of the stress and pressure “brought upon me by those who have been affected by the reforms I have initiated, those whose interests have I blocked and disrupted, those who would like to uphold the status quo ‘kalakaran’ in Customs wherein they benefit from and those who have been taken out of their comfort zones.”

The complaint against Biazon and 33 others, including former lawmakers, was filed last Friday before the Office of the Ombudsman, Gma News Online reported.

Source: Gma News Online

(Image Credit: newsinfo.inquirer.net)